The Australian Women's Register

Katie Deakin was the only daughter of William (Bill) and Sarah Deakin and sister of Alfred Deakin. Alfred Deakin became the youngest ever cabinet Minister in 1883. He was Prime Minister of Australia 1903-1904, 1905-1908 and 1909-1910.

Born in Adelaide Katie came to live with her parents in Melbourne in 1851. In 1856 her only brother Alfred was born at their parent’s home in George Street (Collingwood) now Fitzroy. She was educated at Miss Thomson’s School in Kyneton (1858-1862), and was then a pupil, with her brother, at Miss Thompson’s School in South Yarra from 1863 to 1865.

Katie matriculated with honours from Presbyterian Ladies’ College (East Melbourne). She had attended the College since its opening day (1875) and studied under Professor Pearson. She taught there when Charles Pearson was headmaster. Katie studied music at the Melbourne School of Music under C. W. Russell, passing after three years with honours in 1882. An accomplished pianist, she taught music theory and practice privately and tutored her three nieces, Ivy, Stella and Vera Deakin.

Katie never married. She lived at “The Elms” in Adams Street, South Yarra, with her parents until their death and it was here that she taught her three nieces. She had many friends in the musical and literary world of Melbourne including the Monash family, and Baron Von Mueller.

A close companion and confidante of her younger brother, Katie travelled with his family to London in 1900. She accompanied Stella Deakin to Berlin (1909) where she pursued her scientific studies, and Vera Deakin in 1913 when she studied music in Berlin and Budapest.

Katie Deakin died at “The Elms” in 1937 and was buried with her parents at St Kilda cemetery.

This entry was researched and written by Katie Deakin’s great niece, Judith Harley.